Cream Cheese Frosting (for Red Velvet Cake)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 

1 (8-ounce) bar cream cheese, room temperature 

1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted 

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

1 cup heavy whipping cream (optional; dilutes cream cheese flavor)

Place butter in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. 

Add cream cheese, and beat until well combined and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. 

Add sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined, about 2 minutes. 

Add cream an beat about 2 more minutes.